The government of the Bahamas has opted not to renew the contracts of 31 Cuban teachers for the 2026-2027 school year. Meanwhile, the future of Cuban medical personnel remains uncertain amid ongoing negotiations with Washington regarding their working conditions.
The decision was delivered unexpectedly to the teachers. One educator, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared that the group received the news during a meeting at the Breezes hotel soon after arriving in the archipelago to start the new academic year, as reported by The Tribune.
The Bahamian Ministry of Education confirmed this measure, clarifying that contract renewal was never promised, although it acknowledged that some of the teachers had shown interest in continuing their work in the country. "Our priority remains recruiting and hiring qualified Bahamian educators," the ministry stated, adding that a significant number of local teachers had been added to public schools.
The 31 Cuban teachers were providing specialized instruction in areas such as welding, agriculture, and other technical and vocational subjects, which have been challenging for the Bahamas to staff adequately.
Impact on Educational Programs
Central Grand Bahama representative Frazette Gibson criticized the manner in which the decision was communicated, warning of potential disruptions to ongoing programs.
However, the Ministry of Education left open the possibility of employing foreign teachers when qualified Bahamian candidates are unavailable for certain positions.
Uncertain Future for Cuban Medical Staff
The uncertainty extends to the island’s healthcare workers as well. The Public Hospitals Authority has not renewed contracts for Cuban medical staff, except for those who hold legal status in the Bahamas or are married to citizens.
Minister of Health and Wellness Michael Darville confirmed that discussions with U.S. officials are ongoing, with a meeting scheduled with Cuban Ambassador Juan Carlos Marcof Sánchez to discuss future steps.
Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell declined to comment on whether U.S. pressure influenced decisions regarding Cuban workers.
This situation is part of a process that began last year. In August 2025, over 100 Cuban teachers returned to Bahamian classrooms through a direct hiring scheme after previous agreements with the Cuban state agency responsible for these contracts were terminated.
Negotiations for a similar arrangement for medical personnel continued throughout 2025 and 2026. In July, Darville informed Parliament that only 35 Cuban healthcare professionals remained in the country.
U.S. Pressure on Cuban Overseas Missions
The United States has ramped up its campaign against the model through which the Cuban regime dispatches workers abroad, especially healthcare professionals, citing labor exploitation practices.
Washington claims that the regime kept between 83.9% and 91.6% of the funds paid by the Bahamas for each doctor. Payments reached as high as $12,000 monthly per specialist, while the professionals received between $990 and $1,200.
In July, the U.S. sanctioned Cuba’s Minister of Public Health and other figures connected to the Cuban medical cooperation system, which Washington associates with forced labor practices.
The pressure is not solely from the United States. In April, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) recommended that regional countries withdraw from these programs after documenting practices like document retention, salary confiscation, and surveillance of workers.
The number of Cuban healthcare professionals deployed abroad has also declined. According to State Department data cited this year, there were between 15,000 and 18,000 Cuban medical workers in 51 countries, down from about 24,000 in over 58 countries at the beginning of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Workers in the Bahamas
Why were Cuban teachers' contracts not renewed in the Bahamas?
The Bahamian Ministry of Education decided not to renew the contracts as part of their priority to recruit and hire qualified Bahamian educators.
What is the status of Cuban medical staff contracts in the Bahamas?
The contracts for Cuban medical staff have not been renewed, except for those with legal status or who are married to Bahamian citizens. Negotiations with U.S. officials are ongoing.
How has U.S. pressure affected Cuban overseas missions?
The U.S. has intensified its campaign against the Cuban model of sending workers abroad, citing labor exploitation and forced labor practices, which has led to sanctions and a decrease in the number of Cuban professionals deployed overseas.